Ask Val

Destined For Europe, But Where?

October 9th, 2010

courtesy: Israel tourism

Hi Val, Would like to go to a few different destinations.  Eastern Europe, Turkey & Greece, Israel.  Who do you recommend for these destinations and when is the best time to go? Marcia Hi Marcia, Your travel itinerary cuts a wide swath, so you first need to focus on whether you want to go independently [...]

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What’s New, New York?

September 30th, 2010

Dear Val, I am traveling to New York City with my boyfriend and we will be staying for 4 days (not including travel time). We both really enjoy museums, walking and restaurants and want to see a Broadway show while we are in the Big Apple. We also want to stay in a cool hotel [...]

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It’s All Greek To Me….

September 21st, 2010

Val- My wife and I will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary Nov of next year. We want to plan a trip to Greece for about 5 days not including travel time. Where and when should we go? Thanks, KennyM Dear Kenny, A great time to visit Greece for your anniversary is September through mid-October, [...]

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Spain On A Tight Budget? Es Posible?

August 26th, 2010

courtesy:  White Nest Hotel

Hi Val My wife and I are planning a two-week trip to Spain this September and we are interested in exploring Andalucia, and taking a trip to Tangiers for two to three days.  We are on a budget of $1,500 each and we are willing to skimp on lodging and food but given our budget [...]

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O Solo Mio: Cruising For One

August 23rd, 2010

courtesy Crystal Cruises

Hi  Val, Are there any cruise lines you would recommend highly for single middle-aged folks, with reasonable prices for vacation packages for Fall time frame? Jill Hi Jill, It’s becoming more advantageous for singles to take a cruise as many ships are adding dedicated decks and special fares for those sailing solo. Norwegian Epic has [...]

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Merlot Me Out of Syracuse For A Weekend

August 19th, 2010

Courtesy: Saratoga Winery

Hi Val, My husband and I are looking for a weekend getaway within 5 hours or so of upstate New York (Syracuse). We are not boat or water people but love great scenery, food and wine, any thoughts on a close “staycation?” Thanks Lesa Hi Lesa, Cold Spring is only a four hour drive or [...]

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Old Faithful Couple To Celebrate Anniversary At Yellowstone

August 16th, 2010

courtesy: R. G. Johnsson

Hi Val, My husband and I would like to travel to Yellowstone National Park.  When is the best time of the year to go?  We will be married 48 years in September and would like to travel for our anniversary. June Hi June, Happy Anniversary! Forty-eight years, that’s quite an accomplishment. ( I hope you [...]

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Walking Away With My Vacation

August 6th, 2010

courtesy: Country Walkers

Hi Val, I am a middle-aged single woman, looking for a vacation with group activities for a mature crowd. It can include walking tours or afternoon nature walks, etc. I like good accommodations as well. Thanks so much- Jill Hi Jill, Travel With Val has featured Austin Lehman Adventures in the past for family travel, [...]

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Jamming Up To Jamestown, RI

August 6th, 2010

Dear Val, We are 4 adults with a 9 year old boy traveling on a weekend trip to Jamestown, Rhode Island. Would you guide us to interesting activities, interesting places and eateries in Jamestown and vicinities? Thank You, Jess Hi Jess, Jamestown is a wonderful destination for a weekend summer getaway. You’ll be able to [...]

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Help: Will Amalfi Drive Us Nuts?

July 20th, 2010

Dear Val, My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy this September.  Our initial thought is to spend 3 days in Rome and 7-8 days in the Amalfi Coast area.  What are your thoughts on renting a car versus using public transportation while in Sorrento / Amalfi? Thanks, Jaye Hi Jaye, You can [...]

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Big Easy, Lotsa Love

July 13th, 2010

courtesy: Maison Dupuy

Hi Val, Would like to go to New Orleans after Labor Day where we can be close to all the sights and have a nice romantic stay. Thanks, Emily Dear Emily, I am so happy you want to support Louisiana. They can sure use your business in the midst of the oil spill. Here’s some [...]

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Cooking Up An Italian Vacation For A 50th Birthday Girl

July 9th, 2010

courtesy: International Kitchen

Hi Val, For my 50th birthday I want to go to Italy and experience a fun week where you go to the markets, wineries, cheese making farms and then come back and cook with all the things you pickup along the way. Thanks so much!! Debbie Hi Debbie, Going on a gastronomic tour of Italy [...]

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